We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Type-dependent effects of microplastics on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.): Focus on root exudates and metabolic reprogramming
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers grew tomato plants in the presence of three different types of microplastics and found that each type produced distinct effects on plant physiology, root secretions, and metabolic processes. Polystyrene had the strongest negative impact, significantly altering root exudate composition and triggering metabolic reprogramming in the plants. The study demonstrates that the type of plastic matters when assessing how microplastic pollution affects crop growth and soil chemistry.
Much attention has been paid to the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial systems. MPs have been shown to affect the physio-biochemical properties of plants. Different MPs may have distinctive behaviors and diverse effects on plant growth. In the present study, the effects of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) MPs on physio-biochemical properties, root exudates, and metabolomics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) under hydroponic conditions were investigated. Our results show that MPs exposure has adverse effects on tomato growth. MPs exposure had a significant type-dependent effect (p < 0.001) on photosynthetic gas parameters, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. After exposure to MPs, the content of low molecular weight organic acids in tomato root exudates was significantly increased, which was considered as a strategy to alleviate the toxicity of MPs. In addition, MPs treatment significantly changed the metabolites of tomato root and leaf. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that MPs treatment had a great effect on amino acid metabolism. We also found that plants exposed to PS and PP MPs produced more significant metabolic reprogramming than those exposed to PE MPs. This study provides important implications for the mechanism studies on the toxic effect of various MPs on crops and their future risk assessment.
More Papers Like This
Phytotoxicity of polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the effects of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics on tomato plant growth using hydroponic experiments at various concentrations. The study found that all three types of microplastics negatively affected seed germination, root growth, and plant development, with effects varying by plastic type and concentration. These findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural settings could interfere with crop growth and food production.
The varied effects of different microplastics on stem development and carbon-nitrogen metabolism in tomato
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how six different types of microplastics, including both conventional and biodegradable varieties, affect tomato plant growth. All types disrupted the plants' internal structure and altered how they processed carbon and nitrogen, with PVC causing the most severe damage. Notably, biodegradable plastics like PLA and PBS were not harmless either, suggesting that switching to so-called eco-friendly plastics may not fully protect agricultural soil and food crops from microplastic contamination.
Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Soil Properties, Microbial Diversity and Solanum lycopersicum L. Growth in Meadow Soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and concentrations affect tomato plant growth and soil microbes. Surprisingly, some microplastic treatments boosted plant growth and soil nutrients, while others reduced microbial diversity and disrupted soil community networks. The mixed results show that microplastic effects on agriculture are complex and depend on particle size and concentration, making it difficult to predict how contaminated soil will affect food crops.
Absorption, accumulation, physiological responses, and mechanistic insights into tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to polystyrene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Tomato plants grown with polystyrene microplastics absorbed the particles through their roots and moved them into stems and leaves, with smaller particles and higher amounts building up more. Exposure reduced root growth, plant height and weight, increased oxidative stress markers, and altered gene activity and chemical processes linked to plant hormones and cell membranes.
The effects of microplastics on crop variation depend on polymer types and their interactions with soil nutrient availability and weed competition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how different types of microplastics interact with soil nutrient availability and weed competition to affect crop growth. The study found that the effects of microplastics on plant performance depend on the polymer type and are modulated by fertilization levels and competition from weeds, suggesting that real-world agricultural impacts of microplastic pollution may be more complex than laboratory studies indicate.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.